12 Days of Christmas - Day 12

This is perfect for the holiday season...  What a way to end the 12 Days of Christmas a gorgeous bracelet, in amazing green hues created by the islands own, Lindsay Stocking Godfrey.   Lindsay's very accomplished works are decadent in desgin, and are often found at Artworks along with galleries throughout Canada.

Lindsay shares the love for her work though an apprentiship program - for those lucky enough to enrol, she has taught some of the islands amazing talents.

Thank you Lindsay, and all of the amazing artists for participating in this 12 Days of Christmas Exchange - it's been AMAZING!

12 Days of Christmas - Day 11

I LOVE this little painting...  and what a fabulous message captured by Christy Wilson.  I was very fortunate this year to get my hands on a copy of her very limited calendars each month has a bright and cheery painting of Christy's work.  In additionn she specializes in custom pieces ideal for weddings, baby showers, and just fthe every day :)

12 Days of Christmas - Day 10

"Tweet Tweet - So Sweet..."  This stunning bird ornament created by Tina Lynch, my awesome sister, was made out of wood brids, beads & clay to create these whymsical birds of flight...

Tina is the artist in the family, and is known locally on the island for her stunning poppy and pear paintings.  She has exhibited at Artworks in solo shows as well as active in the community arts shows.

12 Days of Christmas - Day 9

Julie Sperber artists extrodinaire behind Yuma designs created this gorgeous "Joy" pendant and magnet.  Spread the Joy she certainly did with this amazing creation.  In addition to gorgeous custom jewellery pieces, she also runs Red Roaster Coffee here on Gabriola. 

Her delightful creations can be found at varying craft shows throughout the year, as well as at the Hen House on Gabriola's South End.

12 Days of Christmas - Day 8

Encaustic Cards!!!



Todays Day was from the very talented Randi Lynch, yes by the last name you may have guessed we are related, she's my mom.  A real treat to open up a beautiful collection of original encaustic cards - the only thing is that they are to precious not to be framed...

Thanks Mom!  xoxoo

12 Days of Christmas - Day 7

"Birds of Happiness."  Love it, what a great idea for the exchange, of course, being such a bird nut in the arts, this piece is definately hanging in my art area!

There isn't anything Diana Bonder can't do, she's been a streamstress, now childs author and illustrator, artist extrordinaire, are only among some of her many talents.  Last year, she helped me to give the most amazing Christmas gift - a commissioned piece of her work featuring Jane & Emma and the tales of Bubba goose, a story the girls have been told since they were wee ones.  Her stories and illustrations are amazing, if you're ever on the island over the studio tour, her studio is a must see!

12 Days of Christmas - Day 6

The "WOW" factor best describes Tammy Hudgeon's amazing glass works, and there is no better way to start the morning, then waking up to open up to gift 6 a piece of original Tammy's glass wear.  I just can't wait to hang up this stunning piece.

Tammy's work is featured at Artworks, in the Folklife Village here on Gabriola along with many galleries, or you can visit her website online, she also has a blog which features some of her new work.  In addition to her amazing glass work Tammy does the most incredible mixed media art - I'm looking forward to adding a piece to my collection.

Thanks Tammy, you are truly an inspiring individual...

12 Days of Christmas - Day 5

Ok...  So, I can't really say I was so surprised, but you know what how great is it to take the time to wrap your own gift - especailly made by you!  Well with the 12 days of Christmas, we each made 1 day, which meant on one of the days we'd be opening up a gift that we created ourselves.

So, today day 5 is mine.  I created these little journals, each was unique here's the link to my Flickr site where you can see all 13 of these creations:  Knotty by Nature Gabriola .

I had so much fun making them, I hope each of the girsl will enjoy opening them as much as I enjoyed creating them.

I have to also put a special thank you out there to Sue, who this weekend did an amazing job manning my booth at the Gabriola Elementary School Craft Fair.  She did an amazing job - thanks Sue.  Now that it's over, I have my etsy shop back online, and will be adding some new items shortly!

12 Days of Christmas - Day 3

Today's special treat was one created by my dear friend Jane Reddington.  She makes a limited edition of her special owls each year, each one is very different and has a little story.  My special owl's name was Jennifer who likes to make pretty little things - kinda suits, don't you think?

As well as her fabulous owls, Jane is an author and is looking to publish her first book, of course I'll be giving all the details as soon as it's available.

Thanks Jane, for this amazing owl, she's already found the perfect place perched in my craft room!

12 Days of Christmas - Day 2

Ooh-la-la!

Ok day 2 and the WOW factor of these amazing artists on the island is off the chart.  Today's special package, (and yes, evidence is in the details as it was wrapped in handmade packaging), contained an eloquent mosaic necklace.  The beautiful hues and texture of the glass compliment this gorgeous peace perfectly.

This very special gift was the creation of Karen Aaker, Purple Door Mosaics .  Karen is the co-organizer of the "Once Upon a Time" show.  A summertime highlight here on Gabriola, and one of the best art shows I've had the opportunity to attend!

12 Days of Christmas - Day 1

It's exciting to get into the highly anticipated goodie bag filled with all sorts of Christmas Treasures, and what a way to start on Day 1.  A beautifully hand crafted owl mug by the very talented ceramic artist, Mariko McCrae of Feedlot Studio, here on Gabriola.

In addition to her amazing creations, and custom work, she also offers open studio on the island, and gives us all a great atmosphere to come and play with the clay.  Her insipiration & passion for art is truly contageous.

What a Great Way to start out our 12 Days of Christmas gift exchange.

12 Days of Christmas

A collective of 12 island artist Inspired to create, got together with the idea to celebrate the holiday season - handmade.

  The group comprised of a few of the islands many artists, who decided to celebrate the 12 days of Christmas, by creating, exchange and sharing our art with each other.  

For the 12 days of Christmas each of the artists will have an amazing surprise from a fellow islander to open up!

Each participant created 13 pieces they were not meant to be big, just something that they have created that puts a smile on their face for having created it & something they want to share, so it could be a pendant, gift cards, a print, or the choice of each artist. 

The reason we are creating 13 pieces is that one set we would all like to donate to PHC as a silent auction fundraiser, the gifts will be wrapped, so they won't be able to see what they are bidding on other than the story about what we are doing & who's participating... 

There is an amazing gift basket of the 12days of Christmas up for silent auction at the Commons, Christmas Craft fair Dec. 3, 2011 with all proceeds will go to People for a Healthy Community. The gift basket would make a wonderful Christmas gift, or perhaps the 12 gifts means all your shopping is done for the holidays, all while supporting a good cause.

I'll be blogging the gift exchange through each of the 12 days featuring an island artist each day. As well I'll be posting the process, number tags, name tags, etc should you choose to set up your own gift exchange, so check back...